Head of Free Zone Administration and Operations

Alaro City Development FZC is an integrated, mixed-use city planned for over 2,000 hectares in the North West Quadrant of the Lekki Free Zone. Alaro City’s vision aim to help create the infrastructure – the living and working spaces, communities, schools, and hospitals – that will help sustain and accelerate Nigeria’s economic growth, meet the aspirations of Africa’s burgeoning middle classes, and serve as a catalyst for further urban development.

The people in our team are multi-skilled and experts in their respective fields. They possess a unique drive, underpinned by the desire to help improve Africa’s urban development.

Responsibilities

• In line with the business plan, develop and implement a strategic plan for free zone operations and revenue generation. This will require legal and statutory inputs across board.
• Provide support to existing and potential clients including but not limited to free zone administration, orientation, onboarding, incentives and investment opportunities;
• In coordination with Legal ensure the review and execution of incorporation documents received from the prospective enterprise;
• Source new business opportunities aimed at generating revenue and supporting sales efforts for Alaro City;
• Ensure submission of responses to enterprise requests for clearance for approval by the COO and ensure onward submission to Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA);
• In close coordination with the Legal team, ensure submission of Annual Returns (for Alaro City Development FZC to NEPZA).
• Managing Alaro City and North West Quadrant board correspondence including but not limited to overseeing external company secretaries, reviewing and finalizing Board and committee minutes and notices and circulation of Board packs
• Liaison between clients and senior level relationships within regulatory bodies including but not limited to Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF);
• Coordinate and liaise with government agencies such as Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other regulatory bodies during facility inspections in collaboration with NEPZA.
• Participate in free zone stakeholders forum and document all correspondence for internal dissemination and analysis; 
• Provide Alaro City management and wider Rendeavour teams with timely reports and feedback on a free zone related matters;
• Ensure Alaro City (and by extension, Rendeavour) is in good standing and compliant with all regulations governing the free zone;
• Manage all external stakeholders to ensure mutually beneficial relationships at all times. This includes but is not limited to the Epe community, regulatory bodies, and all other government agencies; and
• All other duties and responsibilities as assigned by your Line Manager

Hard skills and experience:

1. At least ten years’ experience in free zone management; working with a reputable establishment;
2. Demonstrable knowledge of free zone regulations, policies and requirements;
3. Demonstrable research skills and ability to analyse data effectively and present it in a variety of reporting formats.
4. Demonstrable relationship management skills to ensure best value for Alaro City at all times.

Soft skills:

1. Mature, pragmatic, and flexible approach, strong commercial judgment.
2. High emotional intelligence
3. Team player but comfortable working autonomously.
4. The ability to handle pressure and meet deadlines.
5. Excellent time management and organisation.

Personal characteristics:

1. High energy.
2. Result-oriented and tenacious.
3. Strong work ethic.
4. Ability to work effectively under pressure